The Seeley Swan Valley is lovely valley nestled between the Swan Mountains to the east and the Mission Mountains to the west.
Departing Missoula, travel east on Highway 200, a scenic drive that follows the legendary Blackfoot River through the Blackfoot Valley—one of western Montana’s most iconic river corridors. At Clearwater Junction, turn north onto Highway 83, the main gateway into the Swan Corridor and the Seeley–Swan Valley. The turnoff is easy to spot, marked by Stoney’s Kwik Stop and its larger-than-life cow statue—an iconic roadside photo stop before continuing north.
Just 45 minutes from Missoula, the Seeley–Swan Valley unfolds as a landscape of pristine lakes, forested mountains, and small mountain communities, offering adventure in every season. In summer, crystal-clear lakes invite swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Fall brings glowing golden larches and quiet scenic drives. Winter transforms the valley into a nordic skiing and snowshoeing haven, while spring offers wildlife viewing and uncrowded trails. Whether you’re planning a full day trip or a leisurely stop along the Swan Corridor, the Seeley–Swan Valley delivers year-round outdoor experiences and scenery.
Salmon Lake & Placid Lake State Park, Montana You’ll soon arrive at Salmon Lake, the first lake you encounter as you enter the Seeley–Swan Valley and a perfect place to start your day. Salmon Lake State Park and neighboring Placid Lake State Park sit just minutes apart, making them an easy duo to explore together. Salmon Lake is known for its scenic shoreline, excellent fishing and wide-open water for kayaking, canoeing, sailing and water sports. Anglers can cast for everything from trout and kokanee salmon to bass and northern pike, while birders may spot bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons and loons along the water’s edge.
Just down the road, Placid Lake State Park lives up to its name with smooth water, calm coves and great spots for swimming, boating and picnicking. Both parks offer opportunities for camping, wildlife viewing, photography and relaxed lakeside time, whether you’re spending the full day in the valley or stopping along the Swan Corridor on your way north.
Seeley Lake, Montana Continue north to Seeley Lake, a year-round mountain town where outdoor adventure meets easygoing small-town charm. In summer, fuel up with a scoop from The Ice Cream Place or sit down for a meal at local favorites like Seeley Chicken Coop & Lounge, Lindey’s Prime Steak House or The Filling Station before heading out to explore countless miles of trails or a day on the Seeley Lake.
Stretch your legs with a visit to the Largest Larch Tree in the World, known locally as Gus, browse locally made goods at Grizzly Claw Trading Co. or book a guided ATV adventure with Seeley Adventures. The lake and surrounding forest offer endless opportunities for boating, fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, birding and wildlife viewing, with plenty of room to wander at your own pace.
When winter arrives, Seeley Lake turns into a true snow-season playground. The Seeley Creek Nordic Ski Trails feature a well-balanced 26-kilometer network with relaxed, rolling beginner and intermediate terrain alongside steeper, winding trails for more experienced skiers. Fat biking, ice fishing and snowmobile rentals add even more ways to get outside, while more than 430 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and countless secondary routes lead through powder-filled forests and wide-open scenery.
Lindbergh Lake and Holland Lake, Montana About 25 minutes farther north, the road splits and so does your adventure. Turn left to reach Lindbergh Lake, a quieter, less-traveled spot that’s ideal for paddleboarding, fishing and soaking in the stillness of the Swan Valley. This area also serves as a gateway into the Mission Mountains, where hikers can head deeper into alpine terrain. One popular option is Glacier Lake, a snow-fed lake reached by a 3.3-mile hike. Feeling more ambitious? Continue higher up the trail toward alpine gems like Turquoise Lake, full-day trek with big mountain payoff.
Turn right instead to reach Holland Lake, where clear water and dramatic views of the Swan Mountains make it a favorite for paddling, swimming and lakeside relaxing. The nearby Holland Lake Falls Trail offers a scenic 3.2-mile round-trip hike to a beautiful waterfall. If you’re looking to turn the day into a serious adventure, the trail system also provides access to Upper Holland Lake and Sapphire Lake, creating an almost 15-mile round-trip outing that rewards hikers with remote alpine lakes and sweeping mountain scenery.
Whether you’re easing into a short hike, a lake day or committing to an all-day adventure, Lindbergh and Holland Lakes make it easy to build the kind of day that matches your pace and appetite for exploration.
The Seeley–Swan Corridor is one of those places that makes a simple day trip from Missoula feel like a true escape. With a beautiful drive, wide-open scenery and endless ways to get outside, it’s perfect for choosing your own adventure—whether that means paddling a quiet lake, hiking into alpine terrain or just pulling over because the view asked you to. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue north along the Seeley–Swan Scenic Drive, where more pristine lakes and trailheads lead all the way toward Swan Lake and even Flathead Lake. You can loop back to Missoula through the Mission Mountain range for a full-circle road trip. It’s a long day behind the wheel, around five to six hours, but the payoff comes in unforgettable views and the kind of Montana scenery that sticks with you long after you’re home.
Friendly reminder: this is grizzly bear country—carry bear spray and know how to use it.
